Can LLMs completely replace human copywriters for product descriptions?

No. While LLMs can generate initial drafts quickly, human copywriters are essential for infusing product descriptions with unique brand voice, emotional nuance, and persuasive language that resonates with specific target audiences. For regulated products, human oversight is critical for accuracy and compliance.

Should merchandising teams use LLMs for product pricing strategies?

LLMs can analyse market data and suggest pricing trends, but they should not independently set pricing strategies. Human merchandisers must factor in strategic objectives, competitive positioning, inventory levels, supplier costs, and anticipated promotional activities, which require nuanced judgment beyond algorithmic capabilities.

Is it safe to let an LLM manage all content updates on a category page?

No, it is not. While LLMs can update generic content, critical elements like SEO keywords, promotional banners, product order, and adherence to brand guidelines require human review. A human merchandiser ensures strategic alignment, prevents errors, and maintains overall page coherence.

How can LLMs assist with product data enrichment in a PIM system?

LLMs can automate the generation of long product descriptions, feature bullet points, and basic attribute values from raw specifications. However, human data stewards are needed to validate accuracy, ensure compliance with data standards, and refine descriptions to align with brand voice and marketing objectives within the PIM. This is particularly relevant for complex PIM data schemas.

Can LLMs autonomously manage product launches?

No. Product launches involve complex coordination across multiple teams, strategic positioning, marketing campaigns, inventory management, and contingency planning. While LLMs can assist with content generation for launch materials or internal communications, the strategic oversight, decision-making, and risk management must remain with human product and merchandising teams.

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Issue 035PositionAI for CommerceRef 106

Where merchandising teams should refuse to hand work to an LLM

The integration of LLMs into merchandising workflows offers efficiencies, but critical areas demand human oversight. We outline where merchandising teams should retain direct control to safeguard brand integrity and critical business functions.

Ricki Larkin· AI Solutions Specialist

22 May 20256 min readReviewed May 2025

"While LLMs offer automation, core merchandising functions tied to brand integrity, strategic insight, and ethical compliance demand human expertise."

Written by

Ricki Larkin

AI Solutions Specialist

8 years at iWeb

LinkedIn →Speak with Ricki about your brief →

Ricki leads AI implementation across commerce, content and operational workflows at iWeb. He writes about agentic commerce, AI-assisted product enrichment, retrieval quality, governance, and the commercial difference between AI demonstrations and AI systems that survive production use. Consistently focused on practical AI applications with measurable operational payoff.

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